Sanchez's Career Night Powers Benilde Past Perpetual in Overtime Thriller, 81-79

Justine Sanchez delivered a collegiate career-high performance to lift the College of St. Benilde Blazers to a thrilling 81-79 overtime victory against the Perpetual Help Altas in the NCAA Season 102 seniors basketball tournament at the Playtime Filoil Centre on Thursday.

The CSB team captain waxed hot from distance, knocking down 7-of-8 triples to finish with 27 points and seven rebounds. Sanchez scored nearly half of Benilde’s 15 total three-pointers, including the crucial go-ahead shot from deep with 2:07 left in overtime that put the Blazers ahead for good.

"Araw-araw ko siyang tinatrabaho," Sanchez reflected after his red-hot shooting display. "Sobrang sarap sa feeling na ganun 'yung resulta ng game ngayon."

Benilde looked to have secured the win in regulation when Jhomel Ancheta was fouled behind the arc with 1.6 seconds remaining and CSB trailing 74-72. Ancheta sank two of his three free throws to tie the game at 74-74 and force the extra five-minute period.

Ancheta finished with 17 points and eight assists, hitting three crucial triples during a fourth-quarter rally that erased an eight-point, 66-58 deficit.

In the final seconds of overtime, the Blazers held their ground defensively, surviving two late driving attempts from Perpetual's LA Casinillo to seal their second consecutive win.

"Tough game. Credit to Perpetual, they were well-coached and played great today," said CSB Head Coach Paolo Layug. "We got a bit fortunate in the end, but we need these games. We need to learn how to play in these types of situations because that's where we're going to see the growth of our team."

The victory allowed Benilde to improve to a 4-1 record in the standings. The win was especially critical as the Blazers continue to weather a series of player injuries.

"For us, we never know whose day it is," Coach Layug added. "We need contributions from everyone. Whether you're there for one minute or 30 minutes, we just want you to do your job."

Mark Gojo Cruz led Perpetual with 15 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Casinillo added 12 points and eight boards as the Altas dropped their second straight game to fall to 1-4.

Benilde looks to extend its winning streak in its next fixture, while Perpetual aims to break out of its slump.

The Scores:

BENILDE 81 – Sanchez 27, Ancheta 17, Jarque 9, Moore 9, Morales 7, Cajucom 5, Torres 3, Podador 2, Go 2, Lorenzo 0, Arciaga 0.

PERPETUAL 79 – Gojo Cruz 15, Casinillo 12, Duremdes 11, Gelsano 9, Tulabut 9, Orgo 7, Corpuz 6, Maglupay 6, Borja 4, Roluna 0.

Quarterscores: 13-12, 35-36, 58-62, 74-74 (Reg.), 81-79 (OT).

Photo Credits: NCAA Philippines Media